El Malpais – Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway
Out in New Mexico, El Malpais – Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway offers a simple place to camp for self-reliant campers. Volcanic terrain and cinder roads with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Chain of Craters. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Soft cinders when wet. Haul in your own water; none is listed here. GPS: 34.709, -108.25.
About El Malpais – Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway
El Malpais – Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway is listed on Camping in the USA as a free dispersed camping area in New Mexico. Its listed GPS coordinates are 34.7090, -108.2500.
At El Malpais – Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway, access is rated moderate, overall difficulty is rated moderate and cell service is reported as poor.
No facilities or drinking water are listed for El Malpais – Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway, so arrive self-sufficient.
Within 50 miles there are 5 other listings in our directory (4 dispersed, 1 paid); the closest is Zuni Mountains Backroads, about 26 miles away in a straight line.
Know before you go
- Dispersed sites are first-come, first-served: use an existing cleared spot and follow posted stay limits.
- Check the local land manager for fire restrictions, closures and permits before heading to El Malpais – Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway.
- Bring all drinking water, plus extra for cooking and cleanup.
- With poor cell service reported, download offline maps and leave your plans with someone.
- Roads may be rough: a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially after rain.
- If El Malpais – Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway is full, the nearest listed alternatives are Zuni Mountains Backroads and Quemado Lake Vicinity BLM.
Nearby free campsites
- Zuni Mountains Backroads – dispersed, New Mexico, about 26 mi
- Quemado Lake Vicinity BLM – dispersed, New Mexico, about 41.2 mi
- El Caso V Campground – dispersed, New Mexico, about 41.2 mi
- Valle Tio Vinces Campground – dispersed, New Mexico, about 47 mi
- Apache Creek Campground – dispersed, New Mexico, about 64.6 mi
- Magdalena – Kelly and Water Canyon – dispersed, New Mexico, about 76.8 mi
Frequently asked questions
Is El Malpais – Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway free?
El Malpais – Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway is listed as free dispersed camping. Confirm current regulations with the local land manager.
Where is El Malpais – Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway?
El Malpais – Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway is in New Mexico at GPS 34.7090, -108.2500. The nearest other listing is Zuni Mountains Backroads (about 26 miles).
Is there water at El Malpais – Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway?
No water source is listed, so plan to bring your own drinking water.
Is there cell service at El Malpais – Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway?
Cell service is reported as poor. Coverage varies by carrier.
Are there other campsites near El Malpais – Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway?
Yes. Our directory lists 5 other campsites within 50 miles, including Zuni Mountains Backroads (26 mi), Quemado Lake Vicinity BLM (41.2 mi) and El Caso V Campground (41.2 mi).
Listing details can change; distances are straight-line. Confirm conditions before you go.